One of the breeds that can claim to be the most consistent over time is the Korat. According to the official Korat and Thai Cat Association, Korats are cherished in their home country of Thailand as “good luck cats.”
These cats are generally gifted in pairs, and a special significance is attached to giving a couple of Korats to a bride as a wedding present. It’s not hard to understand why the breed has been so well-liked in its native nation for the past several decades.
The average lifespan of a Korat is between 10 and 15 years, but some have been known to live even longer. These hardy creatures are not particularly susceptible to any specific diseases, though they may have common health conditions like regular cats.
The appearance of a Korat is comparable to that of a Russian Blue cat; nevertheless, these cats are easily distinguished from one another due to the peridot green eyes and more diminutive stature of the Korat.
The body of a Korat is semi-cobby, and it is covered in a single coat that is a silvery blue color. They have big green eyes that sit atop a face in the shape of a heart, and their ears are high on their head.
Even though Korats are born silver, young Korats do not have the silver coat tipping or the dazzling eye color of adults. These characteristics take at least two years to develop to their full intensity and may take even longer. Compared to males, females sometimes have a more delicate and diminutive build.
Before buying a Korat Cat, you should know the Korat Cat Pros and Cons to make an informed decision.
You can also use the quiz below to find out what cat breed is fit for you.
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The Pros: 8 Korat Cat Pros
Pro #1: Korat Cats are Beautiful!
According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, Korats only exist in one color: a gorgeous blue with silver-tipped fur that gives them a dazzling, halo-like look (CFA). They are a small-to-medium-sized breed with little body fat, broad forward-facing ears, and round, emerald green eyes.
The Korat is known as the cat with five hearts. It is because, in addition to the one in their chests, their heads form a characteristic Valentine’s heart shape when viewed from the front and top. Their noses are heart-shaped, with a fourth unmistakable heart shape visible in the muscles in their chests, directly between their front shoulders.
Pro #2: Korat Cats are Very Smart
The Korat Cat is very clever and is also a thoughtful family member. Korats are more relaxed than most cats. They will find time to play and be active, yet they are content to cuddle in their owner’s lap. Korats build strong ties with their human families and like cuddling.
They are brilliant and appreciate food puzzles and children if properly socialized. They also like games and training. They may be wary of outsiders, but they will always seek out their families for safety and to observe the activities from there.
Pro #3: Korat Cats are Friendly with Other Pets
Korats behave well in households with other types of pets but flourish in communities with other Korats.
On the other hand, because of their gregarious and laid-back demeanor, Korats can and do learn to be friendly with other cats. Cat-friendly dogs provided that socialization and introductions are handled patiently. This is because Korats are naturally outgoing.
Make sure there are enough toys for everyone in the house, regardless of how many other animals there are.
Pro #4: Korat Cats are Quite Adaptable
The Korat enjoys being a lap cat and happily follows her favorite family members around the house all day. It’s critical to keep toys on hand when she wants to play. The Korat is reasonably flexible in terms of dwelling space and temperature.
As long as it understands where to eat and poop, it’ll be content wherever you are, whether it’s a multi-story home or a studio apartment.
Pro #5: Korat Cats Can Be a Tolerable Choice for People with Mild Allergies
The Korat’s gorgeous coat also doesn’t shed much, making her a “tolerable” choice for folks with hair allergies. Even with low-shedding cats like the Korat, it’s vital to remember that no cat is hypoallergenic, and allergies can still occur.
Spend some time with a Korat kitten before taking one home to see how your allergies react. The allergens to which people react are found in saliva and fluids rather than hair. Even in a lab setting, with the use of PPE in academic settings, people can aggravate or develop new allergies over time.
Pro #6: Korat Cat is Relatively Easy to Take Care Of
The upkeep of a Korat is relatively low-maintenance. They have a single covering of short fur that shimmers and sheds very little, so a quick brushing once a week is required to keep them looking gorgeous.
It would be best to tend to your Korat Cat’s ears and teeth once a week. This can help keep them healthy in the long run. In addition to that, make sure that its litter box is always kept clean.
Pro #7: Korat Cats Have a Rich History
The Korat cat, named after Thailand’s Korat area, is a traditional Thai gift and is supposed to symbolize fortune for newlyweds.
The Korat was first mentioned in the Treatise on Cats, written around 1350. The book describes 17 lucky cats, including the Korat. Korats were never marketed; they were solely given as presents until the mid-twentieth century.
According to the CFA, the first Korats introduced to the United States were a pair of cats sent to the owners of the Cedar Glen Cattery in Oregon in 1959. According to the CFA, virtually all American Korats can be traced back to that original breeding pair. The Cat Fanciers’ Association granted the breed Champion status in 1966.
Pro #8: Korat Cats Are Gentle and Cheerful!
It is usual for the Korat to want to participate in whatever you do, so you shouldn’t be startled if it does. It most likely wants to be close to you or on you when you are at home. In general, Korats are affable cats that take pleasure in being petted.
In general, the Korat enjoys being the center of attention and is convinced that he is in charge of his family and other cats, dogs, or household members.
It may enjoy the company of other Korats more than other pets, despite being affectionate with its owners and patient with youngsters.
The Cons: 8 Korat Cat Cons
Con #1: Korat Cats Should Not Be Left Alone for Long
Work from home or have other pets like other cats or dogs to keep your Korat Cat company. Everything should be all right, but leaving a Korat at home alone can lead to it developing separation anxiety and other undesirable habits.
The Korat is a social breed that thrives in the company of other individuals. They require the company of others and cannot successfully function alone for extended periods.
If abandoned for an extended period, a cat of this sensitive breed may become estranged from its family.
Con #2: Korat Cat Loves Scratching!
Your Korat, like all cats, will enjoy scratching poles to sharpen her claws, cat trees to climb, and window hammocks to talk at birds all day.
Ensure to keep essential items and furniture away from the Korat Cat’s reach, especially when leaving them for a while. A bored Korat Can scratch your furniture and leave long-term marks on your items.
Of course, this can also be true for other cats. The Korat Cat is not the breed that takes being abandoned lightly.
Con #3: Korat Cat Can Have Medical Problems
Korats are prone to various common feline diseases. Korats, like all cats, are prone to obesity and dental disease. And simply keeping your Korat active and trim, feeding them the best food you can buy, and keeping their teeth sparkling and clean can go a long way toward preventing diseases.
Kidney problems and hyperthyroidism are also common in older Korats. Some Korats have sensitive stomachs, so watch for frequent vomiting or diarrhea. These cats benefit from sensitive stomach cat food and avoidance of human table food or abrupt diet changes.
Con #4: Korat Cats Needs Much Space
Like any other animal, Korat Cats require adequate space to engage in natural behaviors, and we know that cats enjoy scratching, stretching, climbing, and jumping. Similarly, they love having one or more small hiding places to themselves, so make sure you give those as well.
You’ll need at least twice the minimum space if you have two Korat Cats. Proper socialization of the cats is essential. Therefore they must have adequate space to feel safe and comfortable. The absence of fear and distress are critical considerations in animal wellbeing. Cats are territorial species that engage in a behavior known as “zoning.”
Con #5: Korat Cat Prefers a Quiet Home
Korat Cats are known to love peaceful surroundings. They dislike chaos in general. Korat Cats, like all cats, have excellent hearing. They hunt with their ears and keep an eye out for prospective hazards. Loud noises, however, will elicit a fear response in cats.
Therefore extended exposure to sound and loud noises should be avoided. You might consider adopting or purchasing a different cat breed if you have a noisy household.
Con #6: Korat Cat Can be Too Active
Korats, like their Siamese counterparts, are full of personality and determination. Some people describe them as forceful, overbearing, and demanding. They are dominant and like to express their control over other pets and people in the house.
Korats are notorious for their noisy grumbling, which some may interpret as a bad temper, but several owners insist this is not an aggressive behavior.
Con #7: Korat Cats are Considerably Rare
Korats are an uncommon breed that is extremely tough to obtain. They can also be quite costly. A vaccinated and microchipped kitten should cost roughly $600.
Every Korat pedigree may be traced back to Thailand, and this lineage will be documented in the owner’s pledge. This pledge should include the outcomes of the GM1 and GM2 tests.
Another option is to adopt a Korat Cat though this could prove challenging due to its rareness and the fact that many people are seeking to acquire this breed.
Con #8: Korat Cat Can be Clingy
Korats can be so affectionate that they can be overpowering at times. Compared to some more independent and aloof cats, some cat parents regard cats with more dog-like tendencies as clingy, such as following you around the house, racing to greet you when you arrive home, or acting incredibly cuddly.
When they want something, they will cling to you and be relentless in getting it, even though they aren’t highly vocal. These felines have a healthy sense of superiority and a powerful drive to protect their territory.
Final Thoughts
The silvery-blue Korat is a demanding yet loving cat devoted to its owners. In Thailand, the Korat is seen as a symbol of good fortune. Korats should not be owned by people who cannot spend sufficient time with their feline companions.
However, they make lovely pets for senior citizens or owners who are frequently at home. The fact that a Korat so desperately wants to be around other people makes it an excellent companion for canines and felines.
Kittens spend significant time close to their owners, climbing all over their legs. Because of this, young cats might not be a good choice for people who have difficulties moving around.
If you have the opportunity, you should consider both the benefits and drawbacks of owning a Korat Cat. As much as you can, try to adopt a Korat Cat if you can. Being a haven of safety to rescue cats can be a great and noble advocacy that you can be a part of. Korats may be a rare breed but some Korats may have been displaced from their families. There is a possibility of doing a lot of good when you decide to adopt.
Further Reading
